A cloud hung over the field during Penn State’s practice viewing session on Wednesday. The mood had hardly changed, but the sky appeared to paint a melancholy picture, a picture the Nittany Lions will try their best not to let define them. These are the days after a loss to Ohio State. These are the days when a team is urged not to break.
It’s possible this week hasn’t hit anyone harder than James Franklin, who on Monday spoke of an “introspective” period after his eighth straight loss to the Buckeyes. He likely knows the ultimate success of his program, again, revolves around his offense — more specifically his wide receivers and offensive line.
Franklin eyed both of these units with intent during Wednesday’s viewing window. The pressure is clearly on for an offensive line that Franklin said needs to create “movement up front” for a duo of running backs who have struggled over the past month. And it’s on even more so for a wide receiver corps that, for a second consecutive year, appears to be the team’s weak link.
Franklin wasn’t the only one with eyes on the quarterbacks and wide receivers. There was offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, wide receivers coach Marques Hagans, quarterbacks coach Danny O’Brien, former quarterback Trace McSorley and offensive analysts Mark Dupuis, David Parker and James Urban.
Needless to say, the focus is all on the offense to win out the regular season and make noise in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
Dennis-Sutton, Martin back at practice
Penn State defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton was an active participant after being limited with an injury, playing just five snaps, against Ohio State. He was absent from last week’s practice viewing session.
Also in attendance and actively participating was true freshman running back Quinton Martin Jr., who was ruled inactive prior to each of the team’s past two games. Martin has appeared in two games this season and presumed third-string running back duties after a long-term injury to Cam Wallace.
